Two New Nikon Lenses: AF-S 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED DX VR and AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED FX VR

Today Nikon introduces two new lenses to their line-up of NIKKOR glass: one for DX (crop sensor) cameras, and the other for FX (full-frame sensor) cameras.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

The new Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens from Nikon is their longest reach zoom lens ever with an impressive 16.7x zoom range. This new 18-300mm lens is surprisingly compact for its long zoom range, and is designed for DX format cameras. These “crop sensor” cameras include the D3100, D3200, D5100, D7000, etc.. Like any lens mounted on a DX format camera there is an effective 1.5x multiplication to the focal length giving an equivalent 35mm focal length of 27-450mm. The 18-300mm gives the photographer a great amount of versatility, allowing her to shoot wide-angle to super-telephoto, and without having to change lenses. This new lens features VR II technology to keep images sharp, even when zoomed out to the maximum 300mm setting. In addition, this lens has a close-focusing distance of only 1.48 feet at the 300mm setting, allowing for a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.2x.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR will retail for $1000 and is expected to start shipping in late June.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR is the new standard lens for FX (full-frame) cameras. Full-frame cameras include the D700, D800, D800E, D4, etc.. This new lens will be marketed as an every day, walkabout lens for FX format cameras, especially considering its compact and lightweight design. We wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing full-frame camera kits including this lens. In addition to the VR II technology featured in the 24-85mm, this lens also offers  Auto Tripod detection for specialized VR correction for both still and video shooting. The 24-85mm has a close focusing distance of just 1.25 feet at any focal length. The 24-85mm is compatible with DX format cameras and has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 36-127.5mm.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR will retail for $600 and is expected to start shipping in late June.